New project launched in Halifax to tackle domestic abuse and violence

The West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark Burns-Williamson has invested £1million in an innovative new project to help tackle domestic abuse and violence.

The new service, called Choices, was opened on Monday December 7 at the YMCA building in Crossley Street, Halifax.

The Choices service will be run by the social care and health charity CRI in partnership with the PCC.

It will work with statutory and voluntary partners to directly support victims of domestic abuse and violence and those committing the crime.

Choices will use highly trained staff to identify and address the root causes of domestic abuse and violence.

There will also be a victim co-ordinator to ensure victims are kept informed and updated at every stage of the work done.

Mark Burns-Williamson, said: “Tackling domestic violence and abuse is a priority in my Police and Crime Plan and Choices is an excellent opportunity to help make a real difference for victims suffering from domestic violence and help those committing it to stop.

“Domestic violence is a serious crime and custody must always be an option for people committing it but we need to consider other alternatives as well.

“What Choices will seek to do is get involved at an early stages of domestic abuse and violence to hopefully stop it getting any worse and being repeated.”

A team of 13 will be based out of Leeds and have key outreach posts in the other four policing district areas (Calderdale, Kirklees, Wakefield and Bradford). I look forward to the outcomes of this programme in tackling head-on the unacceptable behaviour of domestic abusers and supporting victims through this intervention.”

A spokesperson for CRI, said:

“Domestic abuse affects many people across West Yorkshire every year. Earlier intervention to identify and address the root causes of domestic abuse is absolutely vital. The new Choices service will help people in communities to escape the devastating spiral of domestic abuse, leading to safer, happier families.”

Assistant Chief Constable Russ Foster said: “Tackling and reducing domestic abuse continues to be a key priority, which is why we are currently running a campaign focusing on offering support and help to victims.